Nigeria's Athletics Team Prepares for Commonwealth Games in Abuja

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has opened a training camp for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This camp began on Thursday, inviting 29 athletes to prepare at the National Sports Commission’s camp in Abuja. The competition will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, next month.

A statement from the federation’s Media Coordinator, Dr Kola Oredipe, explained that athletes were chosen based on their performances in the recent national trials at Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos. Some athletes who missed the trials due to visa problems were also selected based on their current performances and records.

The selected athletes include 14 men and 15 women. They will represent Nigeria at the Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2.

Oredipe confirmed that all selected athletes received letters of invitation. They are to report to the NSC national camp starting from Thursday, June 25.

Among the men, invited athletes include the newly crowned national champion Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, and Alaba Akintola. The list also includes Nigeria’s fastest man, Kayinsola Ajayi, who could not compete at the national trials. He will be joined by his Auburn University teammate Israel Okon and fellow sprint star Udodi Onwuzurike.

In the 400m and mixed 4x400m relay events, Samuel Ogazi, Edidiong Udo, and Tyler Johnson received invitations. Ezekiel Nathaniel will lead Nigeria’s charge in the men’s 400m hurdles. The field events team is headed by African record holder and multiple African champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in shot put.

Reigning African javelin champion Chinecherem Nnamdi and decathlete Jami Schluter also earned invitations to the camp. In the women's category, world record holder in the 100m hurdles Tobi Amusan leads the group as she aims for another successful outing for Team Nigeria.

Amusan will compete alongside newly crowned national champion Blessing Ogundiran, Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, Miracle Ezechukwu, Olayinka Olajide, and Obi Chukwuka in the sprint events. For the quarter-mile events and mixed 4x400m relay, the federation invited Patience Okon-George, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Favour Onyah, and Esther Joseph.

In field events, high jumper Temitope Adeshina, long jump star Ese Brume, shot put thrower Jessica Oji, and hammer throw expert Oyesade Olatoye are also part of the squad.

These athletes are expected to be the backbone of Nigeria’s challenge in track and field events in Glasgow. Nigeria aims for another strong performance at the Commonwealth Games.

The athletics team is set to compete in 18 events at the Commonwealth Games, covering both track and field disciplines.